When writing that report or making inquiries on your MDT (Mobile Data Terminal) as you are seated in your patrol car at night; be cognizant of your location.
I have had conversations with officers who work the night shift and they related stories to me of individuals who walked up to their cruiser while they were on the computer, startling them. If you must use the computer, park in a well lit area so that you can see approaching persons; keep your windows down a bit, you may hear someone approaching.
Secondly, if the MDT can be moved closer to the steering wheel, do so positioning it this way will help keep your eyes forward and your peripheral vision free on the driver’s side. Adjust the computers screen light intensity to your comfort, keeping the illuminated levels as low as possible. Finally, common sense tells us to look up every few seconds and check your environment.